The Jefferson Awards: Kristi Ward

Published 07/24 2014 01:04PM

Updated 09/29 2014 09:04AM

LUBBOCK, TX -- Kristi Ward is an Associate General Counsel for University Medical Center. But it’s her leadership away from her desk that’s really something special. For example, Ward saw that Brown Elementary in Lubbock is like a lot of schools – with great kids and great teachers. But the circumstances were not always great. “I was shocked when I became involved that the need was as great as it was,” Ward said. “The idea that kids wouldn’t have food or just the basic necessities really just blew me away.” What started as an unofficial partnership between UMC and Brown Elementary became an official labor of love with some help from Lubbock ISD’s Partners in Education program. UMC provides food bags during the Christmas break and also during spring break. There are other needs such as school supplies and clothing. Ward’s team was able to get the giving workers at UMC to give even more. When asked about giving out food bags, Ward said, “It is so heartwarming.” “The EMS guys are great. They come out and the kids are all excited. They help us unload the food bags.” There is a dinner to honor Brown teachers. They’re also now thinking about good ways to secure eye-glasses for kids at Brown who need them. If you know of a deserving volunteer you would like to nominate for a Jefferson Award you can CLICK HERE to do it.

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